The wind, something of a constant feature in London, the sun, which decided to take a long siesta, and the rainclouds gathering overhead, were unable to spoil the enjoyment of the members of the Latin American Disabled People’s Project on a beautiful afternoon on Saturday 20 August in Burgess Park, Old Kent Road.

Caribbean food prepared by culinary experts impregnated the atmosphere with an unmistakeable aroma, along with the music and infectious joy which is always felt at events held by the organisation.

Congratulations to those who made this event possible, thanks to the Executives, the Board of Directors, the volunteers. A big round of applause to everyone and may these events continue, in which we all form one large family.

This is a very special week for me for two reasons, firstly, because this is #volunteersweek, and as Volunteer Coordinator at LADPP, it gives me a chance to thank our wonderful volunteer team, without whom, LADPP simply would not be possible. Secondly, because it was exactly two years ago this week that I joined LADPP as a volunteer. I have been Volunteer Coordinator for a year and a half now.

We generally have roughly 80 volunteers at any one time and during my two years here, I have had the pleasure and the honour to work with around 120 volunteers from both the U.K. and different parts of the world, which has been both enriching and exciting.

The kindness and empathy our volunteers show to our users and each other and the support they offer to the staff is humbling. Particularly impressive are our user-volunteers, those, who although themselves experiencing difficulties, still find the time and the energy to give to others.

​For example, Rosa, who, brings in a homemade lunch for everyone every time she volunteers on reception, or William, from the Management Committee, who comes in at the end of every day to clean up the office or Alan, Skills for Work Advisor, who although his volunteer shift officially ends at 1 and he comes in on his only day off, always stays till 4 (at least!). There simply are too many acts of kindness and wonderful people to mention here, but I sincerely thank them all.

What strikes me is that by becoming involved in a migrant organisation, I gained a sense of community that I never felt previously in London.

Every day, LADPP volunteers inspire me and remind me of what together we can achieve. As Eduardo Galeano said,

​‘Many small people, in small places, doing small things can change the world.’

​ On Friday, 13th May a workshop dealing with the subject of pain management was held at the headquarters of the Latin American Disabled People’s Project, LADPP.

Organized by Alicia Gambetta, coordinator of the Mental Health and Well-being Project, we had the opportunity to learn about various ways to manage pain and how to prevent it.

Dr Andreia Negron, a specialist in pain management, provides her valuable services at the Three Boroughs Health Inclusion Team.She explained to us in depth, a few necessary facts in order to understand pain and its relationship with stress. She did this through demonstrating a series of practical exercises, including the correct postures for sitting and lying down.

Dr Negron, who has spent many years dealing with physical and mental well-being and recovery of refugees and asylum seekers, has vast experience concerning the treatment of pain in its various forms; moreover, she does so with a large dose of love and understanding.

Thank you to everybody who has made such a valuable and educational workshop possible. I have found it more effective than traditional medications and more valuable because it’s not sold in a pharmacy, but given from the heart.